We stayed at the Retreat, Nuru, for 8 nights after a 7 day safari in Tanzania (we got married in the Serengeti - arranged by Aim4Africa and Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp - this was amazing too!). We were worried by the recent bad review, but we contacted Matemwe through Nancy at Aim4Africa and they answered our concerns brilliantly.

We were after some pampered relaxation and we got it in spades here! Nuru is a beautiful 'villa' and our butler Thadeo was great fun and extremely attentive and caring. Nuru was spotlessly clean and well maintained by Thadeo during our stay.

We loved having a bath looking out over the Indian Ocean, or plunging in the pool when the weather got too hot. We spent most of our team reading on the top deck and dipping in our pool, only venturing downstairs to have a wonderful meal served to us.

The mini-bar was very well stocked, and we loved Tusker beer, so Thadeo made sure he kept the fridge full of it!
The food was superb - we ate at the restaurant on three nights - the main BBQ and Swahili dinner nights and the food was just as excellent as when served at our 'home'.
We went on the snorkelling excursion to Mnemba, and never have I been in such warm, crystal clear water... The guys who took us out let me take the tiller on the sail back too!

We tried a good few cocktails, at the bar and brought to us (this takes a little time, but who's rushing?? It says this in the guide pack too) and all were good.

The Retreat is perfect if you want beautiful scenery and a chance to relax - it isn't promoted as a fun-filled rollercoaster ride of a place. It provides you with a wonderful chance to unwind - your every whim is catered for and you don't need to do anything...

There are mosquitoes, but we had spray, the room was netted and sprayed and we had our malaria tablets so we weren't worried and they didn't affect us greatly.
We had a bush-baby visit and nick our nuts, but we got some lovely photos :-)

The Retreat is close to nature - from our deck there was a few feet of bush, a few more of beautiful white sand as soft as flour, and then the Ocean... If you want to relax, as we did after a hectic safari and wedding then the Retreat is perfect. Have a massage looking out over the Ocean (massages were very good). Sit and read by your private pool. Decide what you want to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner and have a very talented chef prepare it, and, if your lucky, Thadeo will be looking after you and he will bring it to you with a smile and some funny stories.

On our last night Thadeo set up the table on the top deck by the pool. We ate a wonderful meal of our favourite dishes from the week and gazed up at the stars, drinking the champagne that had so kindly been given to us...
We loved it. Bear in mind it's not the Ritz, it's not New York. It's Zanzibar and thank heaven for that!!!

Tripadvisor - July 2011

We spent 7 nights at Matemwe first in a bungalow and finally in the retreat and we both adored it. The location is outstanding you will never be fed up with the magical view over the beautiful sea, white velvety sandy beach. In the morning light you can watch the local fishermen and women at work. The bungalows are very pretty, the design is simple yet elegant.

One cool moment, stay in the hammock and watch the sun rise/set over the sea…. The best part of Matemwe after the location, accommodation and luxurious gardens is the staff. We felt really welcomed and one of the best things was the food. It was really remarkable to find such good quality in such a hidden place.

Matemwe is a perfect location if you want to relax and escape the world, yet you can still rent a car to visit the island. We spent a day doing a spice tour, visit to stone town and prison island including authentic local lunch in Stone Town for 110USD per person! We had a good booking agent (To escape To) and we always followed the local contacts of our agent. In addition we felt that for the quality of the resort and again the magnificent food (Chef Rashid and the glorious desserts) the price was just right whether you are in the bungalows or the ultimate luxury of the retreat (ideal for honeymooners personal chef and butler).

All the resort is beautiful and efficiently managed by Sjani and her staff to whom we are most indebted for having made our stay unforgettable!

Lord Xavier and Lady Henry - June 17, 2011

After reading the poor recommendation that one traveler gave Matemwe Retreat I went with some suspicion. But I believe the poor experience the traveler had at the Retreat must have been an exception rather than the rule. I found the grounds and our villa, Nuru, to be spotless and well maintained. We did have a bush baby on our veranda but after it didn't find any snacks it went on its way. Perhaps something got left out that attracted the bush baby into the villa?

Also, I found Matemwe to be a good value for the money. It is expensive but the food and personalized service warrant the price. Also, our minibar was stocked with top-shelf gin and vodka, which i wasn't expecting. We never wanted for anything.

Finally, our butler Martin was a star. He was always friendly and willing to help arrange snorkeling, reef walks and ice to keep the sparkling wine chilled. He roasted cashews nuts personally for us and arranged a romantic roof top dinner before our departure. We decided, however, to stick close to the roof-top plunge pool and relax with the plentiful supply of cold drinks.

We were stunned when arrived at Matemwe retreat. I had always wanted to visit but assumed it would be too expensive. We are leaving the country after a couple years in TZ and I figured we'd splash out and make reservations. In fact, the price was less than I thought it would be. And the retreat was beyond our expectations. It closes every May to make repairs and renovations, and the villa we stayed in, Safina, was flawless. Everything is 5 star from the linens to the splash pool to the furniture. Our butler, Thomas, was exceptionally trained and demonstrated true savoir faire. The food was gourmet and fresh, and the fully stocked bar was bottomless. We couldn't decide to spend all our time in the large built-in tub with non-stop hot water or the refreshing splash pool above, or in the super comfy bed in the air conditioning or sitting on the dhow-wood furniture. We will definitely be back as soon as possible!
*FYI* - there is a difference among Matemwe Retreat, Matemwe Bunglows, and Matemwe Beach Resort. The Retreat and Bungalows are the same property, and the retreat is high-end personal villas while the Bungalows are more a resort (still high end but not as private). Matemwe Beach Resort is an entirely different property, and some of the more critical reviews actually describe that resort rather than Matemwe retreat. It also helps to know that Matemwe Retreat came under new management by 2009, which explains why the very critical reviews occurred in 2008 but then end by 2009. As of July 2010, this is the best resort I've stayed in in Africa for the price.

Tripadvisor - July 2010

I spent 3 nights at Matemwe Retreat with a friend. Everything was just perfect. It was quite difficult to find anything to criticize... Food is fabulous, staff is really nice and helpful, and the villas are big and nice, with view on the sea. It's not a great place to swim but there are a lot of activities organized by the hotel (diving, reef walk, village walk, sailing and snorkeling...). There is a nice bar. The swimming pools are a bit small, but really beautiful. It is expansive but the hotel follows eco-tourism principles and supports development projects in the village. The management shows a lot of passion and it does really make a difference: just felt like at home.

Ann Falher - Tripadvisor - July 2010

Cant praise the retreat high enough. We had a relaxing 4 nights. Simon has looked after us with the care and diligence and really added to an experience here, the staff generally have been extremely friendly and we would recommended the Retreat to our friend
Laura & Chris Hurley

I would highly recommend this resort to any body who wants a few days in paradise
Jessica and Nick

A really superb place, well maintained but keeping local rustic elements which added to the charm, the retreat especially was wonderful one of the very bear places our stay thank you
Thomas Campbell & Louise

My wife and I have just returned from Zanzibar where we finished a great trip to the Masai Mari on Safari with 5 nights at Matemwe Retreat. We stayed in ZamZam and Daniel was our butler for the stay, both were perfect. The Retreats are large and very well equipped with everything from a double hammock on the large terrace (great for shade from the hot sun), a massive comfortable bed, a huge bathroom with bath over looking the ocean, through to the secluded sun terrace with plunge pool on the roof.

When we were in Zanzibar, the Island was still suffering from no mains electric supply which had been out of service for about 4 months. Despite this, we had full electric supply as a result of the generators Matemwe had installed.

All of the staff at Matemwe (the Lodge and the Retreat) was friendly, helpful and fun. Nothing was too much trouble and we had some great times. Snorkeling off Mnemba Atoll was magnificent, which included diving into the Ocean and swimming with a passing team of dolphins.

We have no hesitation in recommending Matemwe Retreat as a perfect location for a relaxed, intimate, luxury holiday away from it all.

Trip Advisor

We had 4 incredible days in our private villa, complete with sun-deck and plunge pool over looking the Indian Ocean, being totally pampered by the fantastic staff.
The villa itself was superb, the view from the bed was sensational and then there were little touches everywhere that showed that genuine care had been shown in the design. The bathroom was huge, with the bath looking out across the sea; the sun-deck was perfect for lazing around with a book and the fridge was never short of beers and wine.
But the highlight was Simon our butler who was so attentive and willing to help that it really made the holiday. He served us some incredible food - try the rock lobster - but was happy to bring us anything we could want for.
I would also highly recommend the snorkeling trip which was better than some of the diving I have done. We did a day diving and were lucky enough to swim with dolphins which are common around the area.
The feeling of remoteness was brilliant and as a getaway resort this place absolutely fitted the bill. The location is enough but the friendliness of the staff made this an unforgettable holiday.

Dec 2009 Tripadvisor

We spent a wonderful week in Matemwe Bungalows. The Retreat was overwhelming. Plenty of space, natural cozy furniture, such perfect service (asante sana to Simon) and fabulous food.
The manager couple Ingo & Sabine anticipate every wish. Their professionalism mixed with humour and was fantastic. Keep it up!
An absolutely amazing experience was the Sandbank trip… snorkeling in the ocean aquarium, swimming with dolphins, picnic on a Sandbank and all day long surrounded from the azure-blue ocean… when dreams come true….

We will never ever forget this holiday
Kwa heri!

Max & Carolin – Dec 2009 Tripadvisor

We endorse all the superlatives in the other reviews. A truly fantastic experience. We unwound completely over five days and were very well looked after by John in Zam Zam.
For the reviewer who says "if you like rats", you are completely mistaken. They are bush babies i.e. primates like you and me. One even came onto the deck to eat some nuts as we had dinner, a memorable experience. This is Africa and they have wildlife. Please do not malign a place because you are misinformed.

Dec 2009 Tripadvisor

My husband and I have just returned from a truly magical stay at the Matemwe Retreat. We arrived hot and tired and were greeted with cold face towels and a refreshing fresh coconut drink. All the staff were warm and welcoming from the gardener to the owners. We were taken to our villa by John our Butler who was wonderful throughout our stay. After being shown around we were allowed to take in the spectacular view from our veranda. The location of the bedroom and bathroom meant that you looked out over the ocean when you wake up and when having a bath. A dining table for 2 in the corner meant that we enjoyed the same view for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We had our own private bar and fridge which was constantly kept stocked with wine, spirits, beer and soft drinks by John (all included in the price). The rooms were large and airy, furnished with antiques and reclaimed timber and in keeping with the island. We had to pinch our selves throughout the holiday to how lucky we were. You even get your own private bit of beach. The sand was like white powder and the clear aqua water and reef meant we had great snorkeling and could walk right out - but be aware of the sea urchins - there were thousands. Dodging them was the best aqua aerobics workout we ever had! But don't let this put you off, the fish were beautiful. The food was of excellent quality both in our villa and at the BBQ and last night when we ventured to the main part of the hotel to mix with the other guests. You really don't need to see a sole as all meals can be taken in your villa. The walk to the Retreats takes time and you have to negotiate a staircase so not the best if you suffer from bad knees but this is the price you pay for seclusion. The owners Sabine and Igor bent over backwards to ensure we had a truly amazing stay, even to the point of getting supplies of my favourite Tomato and Chilli jam and the chef cooking me up a batch of his delicious chiili sauce to take home in a large jar. We went on 2 trips - Spice Tour and Jozani Forest. Both private tours organised by the hotel and we had the most amazing guide from Island Tours called Khasim. We were given the history of Zanzibar and on the spice tour he could even tell us the medicinal uses of all the fruit and spices we saw. The man was truly a font of knowledge. You also get Bush Babies, which if you leave fruit and cakes for them come onto your veranda. The hotel also takes an active part in the community, with proceeds from certain things going to maintain the local school etc. If you are looking for night life this is not the place for you. There is intermittent wi fi access, no radios or tv's in the villa's. My husband has a stressful job and he said it was the first time in 12 years that he had felt truly relaxed. We will definitely be going back again, we can't recommend it highly enough.

Sept 2009 Tripadvisor

While the roads to Matemwe retreat may be a bit scary for what may come, the actual retreat truly puts you in another place in the world. Upon arrival at Matemwe Retreat we were greeted by the butler Paul who was professional and took care of all our wishes. We had a quick look at the Bungalow area and truly I would recommend the Retreat only. The villa at the retreat is truly unique and we enjoyed it thoroughly during our two night stay. The service provided by Paul was top notch. As your private butler he truly takes care of all your needs and is the only staff member you deal with during your stay. He provides all your food and beverage needs and keeps “his” room in top shape. We truly noticed that he considered it his own in the way he was keeping the unit up to standards. As a value for money this location deserves the highest rating in my opinion. This location truly is a great “retreat” and I highly recommend it as a truly Romantic stop.
Dont go to this location for the beach though. You have a great view on Mnemba and the ocean from your second floor, while enjoying a drink in your own private pool. In the evening we saw the stars from the top level in a way never enjoyed before. Enjoy it!

Feb 2009 Tripadvisor

We booked the Retreat for a long weekend romantic getaway and we totally loved it.

We had seen quite some of the lodges on Zanzibar before but this was absolutely the perfect place.

The villa we stayed in, Zam Zam, has a perfect view of the ocean and the island of Mnemba. The beautiful palm trees, white sand and the blue sea give you the feeling of absolute tropical remoteness. We could just sit for hours looking at the sea, enjoying the cool breeze through our hairs (and a bottle of white wine).

Our private butler provided us with just everything we were feeling hungry for: full english breakfasts, delicious sea-food for lunch and excellent afternoon snacks. There is no menu at the Retreat: just order what you like and they will prepare it! On the last night we felt like a bit of everything - so we got a big plate of fish, soft chicken and tender beef!

Our waiter made us feel like absolute royalties - we were served very discretely and always very quickly. At various hotels and lodges we have witnessed great customer care but at Matemwe Retreat it was of another level.

The room, or actually the small villa, has two stories. On the ground floor, there is the terrace with a private refrigerator and the beautiful bedroom. Also there is a huge bathroom with an open shower and bathtub overlooking the ocean (when we came back from a stroll along the beach, the bathtub was filled with hot water, bath salts and some flowers). On the top floor, you have your own private plunge pool with great views and a lounge-area to chill or have an afternoon nap.

Also at Matemwe they offer a whole range of activities like canoeing, village walks, diving etc. However, we only managed to get out of our villa once to do a small walk - we just did not want to leave the place! Absolutely fabulous.

31st Dec 2008

There are only 3 retreat bungalows north of the Matemwe Bungalow property. They are managed by the same company. These three "small houses" (we stayed in the middle house called "ZamZam") are more upscale and newer than Matemwe Bungalows.
The private Butler, Kassim, was excellent and so was the food.





The bungalow was charming with rustic sea-faring decorations and a large hammock on the deck. We even had a roof top deck complete with a small "cocktail" pool.

The sand on the beach is powder white and is as fine as flour, but due to the coral reef offshore, there is not a standard "beach" that we would compare it to in the States; hence ocean swimming here is not an option.

From our deck, we could see the many dhows (hand carved boats used for centuries on Zanzibar) sailing out with the sunrise, with men pushing them along with poles. It certainly made us feel like we were watching a movie from the 17th century.


Enjoy your trip!

Dec 2008 Tripadvisor